Abp. Nathaniel Publishes Annual Nativity Letter

GRASS LAKE, MI —  His Eminence Abp. Nathaniel of Detroit and the Romanian Orthodox Episcopate of America (OCA) has released his annual Nativity pastoral letter, proclaiming the central message of Christmas: "The Christ is born! Glorify Him!"

The encyclical focuses on the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies in the birth of Christ.

Archbishop Nathaniel highlights the significance of the name "Jesus," noting the angelic command: "you must name him Jesus, because he is the one who is to save his people from their sins" (Mt 1:21-22). Derived from Hebrew "Yehoshu'a" or "Yeshua," it means Savior, underscoring that "every time we speak the name 'Jesus,' we are actually calling him 'Savior.'"

The letter cites key prophecies from the Nativity service's Royal Hours, including Micah 5:2 on Bethlehem's role; Baruch 3:36-38 on God's appearance among men; Isaiah 7:14 on the virgin birth and "Immanuel, God is with us"; and Isaiah 9:6 describing the child as "Father of the age to come, Prince of Peace."

Redemption, he explains, is "the granting of eternal life to those who believe in Jesus," with salvation solely "by the name of Jesus Christ… is the only one by which we be saved" (Acts 4:12).

Concluding with thanksgiving for God's love, Archbishop Nathaniel reaffirms: "whosoever believes in Jesus, the Messiah or Anointed one, the Savior, will have the gift of eternal life."

Last week, the UOJ reported on Met. Tikhon's reflections for the Feast of St. Herman of Alaska.

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